Tiso Foundation Bursary 2027

About the Tiso Foundation Bursary

The Tiso Foundation Bursary Programme supports talented young South Africans who face financial barriers to accessing higher education.

The programme aims to help academically strong students obtain qualifications that can improve their career opportunities while contributing to broader goals such as addressing skills shortages, promoting workplace equity and reducing poverty through education and human capital development.

In addition to financial support, beneficiaries may receive academic guidance, life skills development and access to career and networking opportunities.

Who Should Apply?

The Tiso Foundation bursary is aimed at financially needy, unemployed South African students who meet the programme's academic, age and background requirements.

Applicants should be committed to their studies and demonstrate a positive attitude, strong academic performance and a willingness to contribute to their communities.

Selection Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

Age

Applicants must be between 18 and 34 years old.

Citizenship

Applicants must be South African citizens.

Background

Applicants must come from previously disadvantaged groups as outlined by the South African government, specifically:

• Black
• Coloured
• Indian

Matric Results

Applicants must have achieved an excellent matric result with a minimum average of 70%.

Current Tertiary Students

Students who are already registered full-time must demonstrate strong academic performance, with a minimum 65% average.

Financial Need

Applicants must be financially needy.

Employment Status

Applicants must be unemployed.

Character & Commitment

Applicants should:

• Demonstrate a positive attitude.
• Be committed to their studies.
• Show a willingness to succeed academically.
• Be willing to give back to their community.

References

Applicants must be able to provide references as part of the application requirements.

What Does the Tiso Foundation Offer?

The programme provides support beyond financial assistance.

Financial Support

The foundation provides support towards degree and national diploma studies at eligible accredited institutions, subject to the programme's funding conditions.

Academic Support

Beneficiaries receive guidance intended to help them perform academically and reach their full potential.

Life Skills Training

Students receive life skills development aimed at preparing them for the workplace and broader professional environment.

Career Access

Beneficiaries may gain access to networking opportunities involving the foundation's corporate and institutional partners, particularly as they progress towards graduation.

Programme Aims

The Tiso Foundation identifies several key objectives for its bursary programme.

Promoting Workplace Equity

The programme aims to support strong black students in obtaining academic qualifications that can improve their future participation in the workplace.

Addressing Skills Shortages

The bursary contributes to efforts to develop qualified graduates in areas where skills are needed in the economy.

Tackling Poverty Through Education

By supporting students through higher education, the programme aims to contribute to long-term human capital development and help break cycles of poverty.

What the Tiso Foundation Does Not Fund

Applicants should carefully check these restrictions before applying.

Higher Certificates

The foundation does not fund higher certificate courses.

Private Institutions

The programme does not fund studies at private institutions.

Distance Learning

The programme does not fund distance-learning studies.

Applicants should therefore confirm that their intended qualification and institution meet the programme's funding requirements before completing an application.

What You Should Prepare Before Applying

Before starting your application, make sure you have the information and documentation required to demonstrate your eligibility.

You should be prepared to provide:

• Proof of South African citizenship.
• Your matric results.
• Your latest tertiary academic results if you are already studying.
• Evidence of your financial circumstances where required.
• References.
• Information about your chosen qualification and institution.
• Any other supporting documentation requested during the application.

Only complete applications will be accepted, so review your application carefully before submitting it.

Is This Bursary Right For You?

This opportunity may be suitable if you:

• Are between 18 and 34 years old.
• Are a South African citizen.
• Come from a previously disadvantaged background as specified by the programme.
• Achieved at least a 70% matric average.
• Have at least a 65% tertiary average if already studying.
• Are financially needy.
• Are unemployed.
• Are committed to completing your studies.
• Are willing to contribute positively to your community.
• Are studying or planning to study an eligible degree or national diploma.

You should not apply without checking the funding restrictions if you are planning to study at a private institution, through distance learning, or towards a higher certificate.

What You Could Expect

Successful beneficiaries may receive more than financial assistance.

The programme can provide exposure to:

• Academic support.
• Life skills development.
• Workplace preparation.
• Networking opportunities.
• Corporate and institutional connections.
• Career development opportunities.

The foundation's approach is focused on helping beneficiaries progress from education into meaningful careers.

Vacancy Portal's Bursary Tip

Check your eligibility before starting the application.

The Tiso Foundation has several specific requirements, including the 70% matric average, 65% tertiary average for current students, age requirement, financial need and unemployment criteria.

Also pay close attention to the funding exclusions. If you are planning to study through a private institution, distance learning or a higher certificate programme, this bursary may not be suitable for you.

Most importantly, don't wait until the closing date. The foundation states that only complete applications will be accepted and applications close strictly on 8 October 2026.

Application Process

Applicants should:

1. Review all Tiso Foundation eligibility requirements.
2. Confirm that their qualification and institution meet the funding conditions.
3. Prepare the required supporting information and references.
4. Complete the application form.
5. Review all information before submitting.
6. Ensure that the application is complete.
7. Submit the application before 8 October 2026.

Closing Date

8 October 2026

Applications close strictly on this date, according to the information supplied.

Important: The official application link was not included in the information you provided. The Apply button on your Vacancy Portal listing should therefore point to the verified official Tiso Foundation application page once you have confirmed the current URL.

Source / Official Programme

Bursary Provider: Tiso Foundation
Programme: Tiso Foundation Bursary Programme 2027
Application Closing Date: 8 October 2026

Vacancy Portal has summarised and structured the programme information to make it easier for students to understand the eligibility criteria and prepare their applications.

Applicants should verify the latest requirements and application instructions with the Tiso Foundation before submitting an application.

Disclaimer

Vacancy Portal provides this information for educational and career guidance purposes. Vacancy Portal is not the bursary provider and does not make decisions regarding applications or funding.

Applicants should verify all requirements, eligible qualifications, institutions, supporting documents and application instructions with the Tiso Foundation before applying.

The official bursary provider's terms and conditions take precedence if they differ from this summary.